20 Reasons Why Lock Repair Will Not Be Forgotten

4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock isn't functioning as it should, it might need repair or even replacement. There are a few options you can consider before calling a locksmith.

Dust and dirt can accumulate in a lock and make it difficult to turn. You can make it easier to turn the lock by putting an lubricant made of graphite or silicone into the keyhole.

Loose Door Knob or Handle

Door knobs and handles may become loose with time, particularly during regular use. If this occurs, the knob or handle jiggles or moves away from the door whenever someone tries to open it. The good part is that the solution to this issue typically involves tightening screws. This is a manageable project that anyone can do even if they have no skills or experience.

There are several reasons why a doorknob or handle might come loose but they all have one thing in common: wear and aging. Over time, the tiny screws that hold the mechanism in place can become looser as you open and close the door. It is essential to keep your doors in check and serviced regularly in order to limit the risk.

A lot of modern doors have knobs that slide over a spindle that is cylindrical and attached to the door. This is part of the latch assembly. These knobs are secured to the spindle using hidden screws that are situated behind the faceplate. If your door has this kind of knob, you'll need to remove the ring to expose the screws hidden behind it. With a flathead, pry the ring off with attention. Be careful not to damage the backing. After the ring is removed it is possible to tighten the exposed screws with a regular screwdriver.

Some older doors have knobs that are connected to the spindle by an entrapment system. This keeps the knob in position without the need for visible screwdrivers. If this is the case for your door, look for a small hole on the knob's faceplate and find a spring-activated pin that protrudes from. The pin is connected to a lever that is located on the side of the door. You'll require a screwdriver to press the lever, which will expose the setscrew.

If your door has a set screw instead of a detent pin, you'll require an Allen wrench to loosen it, and then remove the knob from the spindle. Once the knob is off it is easy to loosen and tighten the set screw using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.

Dirty Keyway

The parts that comprise the lock require a small amount of oil to operate smoothly, but the oil can dry up or get mixed in with dirt. The lock mechanism and the key can become stuck together, making it difficult to remove. You can loosen them by spraying lubricant on the lock or by applying graphite. WD-40 is ideal if you have nothing else to use, but this liquid lubricant could draw dirt and leave a residue inside the lock, so make sure you regularly spray it again.

If the key is still stuck, Upvc Doors [more information] try wriggling it into and out of the lock. This will open the lock enough for you to be able to pull the key out with a little effort. It may help in removing dirt from the lock. If you can't hold the key, use needle-nose pliers to hold the end of the key, and wiggle it. Do not use too much force, windows and doors as you could bend or break the key.

If the lock is brand-new cheap double glazed windows and Doors (www.longisland.com) the key isn't able to be able to go in or out easily, it could have rough spots at its tip that require filing off. The key can be blackened using soot by placing it on an open candle. Then, you can make use of a file to smooth out the sharp edges. If you don't own a rotary tool, a hacksaw will work. If the key is still too stiff to turn or remove, contact a locksmith for assistance. A professional can ensure that all components are properly aligned, lubricated and ready to accept the correct key.

Poorly cut key

When you go to locksmiths to have your key copied, it's usually done fast and easily, but there are several ways that duplicates can be mis-cut which means they won't fit or work in the lock. This can be caused by a few things like the original key being worn down, or even worse in the event that it has been used to try and pick your lock, or the locksmith simply not being able to precisely cut the new key.

A quick solution to this problem is to jiggle the key inside the lock, physically shake it while trying to turn it. This will cause the pins of the key to rise above the cuts, allowing the key to be turned. You can also employ graphite powder or spray to coat the key and insert it into the locked. This will act as a lubricant to aid in removing the lock tumblers from jams.

It is possible that you gave the wrong key to a locksmith and they copied it. It is easy to misinterpret keys due to them being very similar. If you suspect that you might have done this place your key next to the one that you copied.

The best solution to resolve this issue is to take the key back to your local locksmith and they will be able to check that they are cutting the correct blank. Then they will cut you a new key that matches. You can also make a copy of a key using a small file and a lighter (or a lighter) or a lighter, a clear packing tape, and a piece of material that you can trace the key.

If your key won't unlock your door, then it's time to call the experts at Lincoln Lock & Safe. We can window repair your key or replace the lock cylinder quickly so you have access to your home. We offer competitive prices and are available anytime so give us a call.